CATARACT SURGERY – DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

YOUR SURGERY

A cataract is a cloudy area that develops in the lens. You have had surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a permanently implanted artificial lens.

MEDICATIONS (EYE DROPS)

Use the eye drops your doctor has prescribed as directed.
Please take 2 Panadol tablets if your eye is sore or uncomfortable.
Please take all of your eye drops with you to every doctor’s appointment.

DRESSING AND FOLLOW UP CARE

You will go home wearing an eye pad and shield over your operated eye. You will need to wear this overnight. Please take extra care while you have your eye pad on to ensure safety.

FOLLOW UP INSTRUCTIONS

Keep your eye pad on until reviewed in the clinic on the following day unless otherwise advised. The staff will remove the eye pad for you.

SPECIFIC DISCHARGE ADVICE

You will need to wear your shield at night for two weeks after the operation. Use warm water to clean your shield.
Until your eye pad is removed you may need assistance using stairs, pouring liquids and judging distances.
You may like to wear sunglasses inside and outside to reduce glare.
You can shower, but try to avoid getting soap and water in your eye for at least two weeks. If this happens, rinse your eye with water and do not rub your eye.
Light activities/work can usually resume once the eye pad has been removed.
Avoid driving until a doctor or optometrist has assessed your vision.
Avoid the following for the next two weeks:

• touching or rubbing your eye
• swimming
• gardening
• playing contact sports and doing any strenuous activity

COMPLICATIONS

Contact our room on 03 9975 8767 immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Increased redness of your operated eye
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Increased or prolonged pain
• Decreased vision in the operated eye
• Discharge from the operated eye, or sticky eye
• Flashing lights
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe headaches